Winter driving is not the idea of fun to everyone. With elements such as snow, ice, fog, rain, and wind, to deal with, it can feel like a challenge to move safely from one point to another. However, if you have the right car for driving during winter, life may become a lot easier for you. This means that you can fight against all these elements with absolute freedom while knowing that your vehicle will see you through. These vehicles can also be protected further with car scratch repair in Reading and similar locations.

Below are the five best choices for when the weather decides to turn grim.

1. The Volvo XC90 – Scandinavian Style Which is Packed With New Technology

The truth is that there are quite a few carmakers that have strong reputations when it comes to winter driving compared to Volvo. However, this renowned brand name has refined its technology in the XC90 and its all drive feature offers peace of mind. This does not only give great grip but with its 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating, you can confidently avoid harm with ease. Its independent Emergency Breaking and Pilot Assist will surely help you minimise the risk of an accident.

If by chance the worst happens, with its many safety features such as airbags, side impact protection, seatbelt tightening features, and others are there to protect you. It does also feature heated seats, which is quite helpful during cold mornings.

2. Jeep Renegade – This is a No-Nonsense SUV

It is not a surprise that modern Jeeps excel in undertaking the elements. This is because a few years back during the war, Jeep were producing indestructible military vehicles.

The Renegade has been designed to handle well in all terrains as well as the toughest conditions that nature has to offer. With its many technical features, increased ride height and even skid plates, this vehicle is well equipped for the winter months.

Let’s not forget the added comfort this vehicle has to offer and can be found in the Trailhawk trim level. This is because it uses larger tyres to ensure snow, divots, and bumps will affect its occupants only slightly.

3. The Audi Q3 Quattro – Best For All UK’s Seasons With a Rally Car Performance

Its all-wheel-drive technology is the stuff of rally car legends. This is because it delivers supreme grip, no matter the road condition. The Audi Q3 Quattro is related to an SUV in terms of performance, style, and even room.

This vehicle does also come with several safety tools like revolutionary anti-slip system (the best for wet and icy roads), ABS, and even active lane (prevents the driver from moving out of their lanes). Its Haldex Quattro sends torque to the front wheels. However, with its secondary clutch, it can give the rear wheels a torque of up to 100pc if it detects a wheel is slipping.

4. Jaguar F-Pace – Multipurpose SUV

The first time when Jaguar decided to build an off-road vehicle, many people thought that it would rely on its sister company Land Rover. However, rather than sitting on their success, the company decided to put the F-Pace through extreme testing. This included a -40C temperature that can be found in the far north of Sweden.

Because of this, you should be assured that the vehicle will get you through the winter months, even when there are strong winds. This vehicle comes with an optional adaptive surface response system that automatically adjusts wheel power as a way to increase grip.

Just like many SUVs, Jaguar F-Pace has all of the important safety features, including ABS. the vehicle has been featured with camera sensors that automatically detect objects in front and then brakes accordingly. It also boasts luxury features such as heated seats, heated armrests, and others. All these features make it the best for winter.

5. Land Rover Discovery Sport – The Rugged Top-End Luxury Off-Roader

Land Rover is a company that needs no introduction, because of its well-known credentials of building weather-beating vehicles. Today, the Discovery Sport is the cheapest model among its product line. However, due to its design, power, and features, it has become the most popular option for personal contract hires.

This means that what you pay for is a vehicle with one of the best off-road capabilities that cannot be bothered with ice or snow. Through its Clever Terrain Response system, all you have to do is select the relevant setting and the car will set itself for optimal performance and grip.

The smallest mistake can result in grave consequences and this is something all HGV drivers know. Not all mistakes carry such consequences, but the small things that drivers fail to do can reduce the safety of the fleet. It can also impact a business’s productivity and profitability. If you want to find out what types of mistakes HGV drivers do that drive their companies mad, then continue to read on.

1. Not Putting The Driver Card In

HGV drivers know that the tachograph is where their card is supposed to go. If they don’t put it in there, then this can lead to massive headaches back at the company’s office. This is because they’ll have to do extra work sorting out payroll and time sheets.

Furthermore, no qualified driver will be inside the vehicle. At least that’s what the tachograph will think. This can make things even more complicated, especially in the event an insurance claim is made.

2. Recording Breaks As Other Work

Another issue that often arises is breaks being recorded as other work. This might not seem like a big deal, but it is. In fact, this can lead to a number of legal issues and it skews the hours the drivers are putting in.

Breaks have to be taken due to it being a law. This is why they have to be recorded properly. Recording breaks properly mean drivers get their breaks, which allows them time to get rest and avoid being overtired. It also helps back at the office because the workers there will know that everything is going smoothly.

3. Not Scheduling Breaks Effectively

Drivers often work insane hours, and this is one of the reasons it’s easy for them to forget to schedule their breaks in an effective manner. Not doing so can create challenges for managers of fleets because they have to balance deliveries and drivers’ breaks. It might seem like a small thing, but it’s not.

The legal limit is 4 1/2 hours. Drivers need to plan their routes in an effective way and this means planning in advance. Doing this will reduce the chances of delivery times being jeopardised.

4. Not Reporting Hours Correctly

One way to make a fleet manager mad is to misreport your hours. This can create a lot of havoc in regards to payroll and time-sheets and everyone wants to be paid the amount they are owned. At worse, managers could believe their drivers are breaking the law when they actually are not or the reverse could happen.

It is crucial to report hours correctly. This will ensure they are paid what they are owed. Not only that, but it means they remain on the right side of the law.

5. Not Being Accessible While Driving

Fleet managers and drivers need to be in communication. This is especially true when drivers are on the road. Driving and talking on the phone is something drivers shouldn’t do because it can create an unsafe situation.

This is why drivers need to provide fleet managers with updates whenever they can. This allows managers to remain in the know with everything. Plus, it gives fleet managers peace of mind when their drivers are constantly updating them.

Keep the above in mind and do your best to avoid such mistakes. HGV drivers need to do what they can to help their company run a smooth operation and reduce the amount of stress fleet managers deal with. In turn, a safer work environment will be created.

If you want to reduce the chances of making mistakes, then use a Mobile Resource Management platform. This will keep fleets safe and will allow you to get things done in a more efficient way. The sooner you use a platform, the better because you’ll be able to reap all of the potential benefits it has to offer. Furthermore, you could refresh your HGV driving skills by going on a course – for example, Surrey and Hampshire HGV Training is a good way to reinforce skills and also stay safer on the road.

Brexit will affect UK drivers in EU member states in a variety of ways. This guide highlights some of the adjustments that will happen.

The changes to the processes and regulations that govern driving around Europe will impact driving permits, vehicle insurance, driving licences and a myriad of other circumstances that motorists will have to take into account if they want to drive on European highways after Brexit. This will be especially important for those who drive HGVs or are learning at places such as the LGV Training Company.

International Driving Permits

If UK proceeds to have a no-deal Brexit on March 29 the Department for Transport has suggested that British drivers who want to drive in EU countries will be necessitated to acquire an International Driving Permit (IDP).

What is an IDP, exactly? Fundamentally, it is a translated form of your current licence. It will allow authorities in EU nations to confirm your credentials in an expedient manner. One can apply for an IDP at the Post Office. You will have to part with £5.50 to acquire it.

Keep in mind that the IDP will have to be accompanied by your normal photo card licence, on its own, it is an invalid document.

Do You Need an International Driving Permit?

In actual fact, there are two distinct kinds of IDPs you can buy. One is mandated by the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the second arises from the 1968 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.

After March 29, IDPs under the 1949 Act will apply in Spain, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus only. 1968 IDPs will have to be procured by those seeking to travel to any other European Union country. The Department of Transport has indicated that the licence you require will be based on the EU country that you will be driving in. It has also indicated that drivers missing the necessary licence will be turned back at border points or encounter compliance actions such as penalties and fines for lacking the legally required documents.

Green Card

British citizens driving in Europe after Brexit will also require a motor insurance green card as a compulsory addition to the IDP. The green card is documentary proof from your insurer showing that you are covered with adequate insurance to drive abroad.

The good thing is that applying for a green card is a cost-free process that is quite convenient; you just need to contact your insurance provider and request for one.

Road Traffic Accidents

If you will be driving on European roads post-Brexit you are counselled to confirm with your insurance provider on claim processing. Demand for clarity that in case of involvement in a road crash with an EU driver, where you consequently file a claim, your insurance company will follow up on your stead with the EU driver’s insurer and act on your behalf in the matter.

Vehicle Registration Documents

If a no-deal Brexit happens on March 29, the laws governing vehicle registration when moving within Europe are not expected to change.

The normal practice of always having your V5C log book with you in your car should be continued. In cases where you are using a hired UK-registered vehicle make sure you have a VE103 as evidence that you have the right to drive the car in the EU.

Number Plates and GB Stickers

As it is currently, UK registered cars on roads in EEA and EU countries must retain a GB sticker fastened at the rear. The exception is only for cars that have a Euro-plate which is a number plate that contains an EU flag symbol as well as a GB sign on the left.

If no-deal Brexit happens UK-registered cars must attach a GB sticker; it does not matter whether they have a Euro-plate or not.

Trailer Registration

After March 29, the registration of commercial trailers exceeding 750kg and non-commercial ones with a weight of more than 3500kg will be mandatory before they are transported to any EU or EAA destination.

Though no legal obligation is necessary, motorists can elect to officially register trailers that are non-commercial and weigh over 750kg.

This article covers all the ways in which Brexit is expected to affect UK drivers operating in European Union member countries.

After the March 29th, 2019 deadline, drivers looking to operate on European roads will need to consider a variety of changes relating to numerous factors including driving permits, motor vehicle insurance and driving licenses, Cat C1 Licence, among others.

Changes Relating To International Driving Permits

UK drivers operating in other EU nations will be required to obtain an IDP (International Driving Permit) if the March 29th, 2019 deadline passes, and the UK exits the European Union without penning a deal, according to the DfT (Department or Transport).

Simply put, you will need to have your regular driving license translated into an International Driving Permit. This makes the work of inspecting your credentials much easier for officials in foreign nations. You can apply for one at the Post Office after paying a fee of £5.50 pounds.

You still need to carry your regular driving license at all times as well because the IDP is not considered valid on its own.

Do You Need An International Driving Permit?

International Driving Permits are divided into two different types. The 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic created the first one while the 1968 sitting created the second type.

If you intend to drive on roads in Spain, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta you need to apply for the 1949 permit, while the 1968 variant is meant for those driving in other European Union nations. The EU country you intend to visit is used to determine the version of IDP you need according to the DfT. Furthermore, failure to have the correct IDP version may cause you to be denied entry into a specific country or attract any other action deemed fit by law enforcement, such as payment of a fine.

Motor Vehicle Insurance Green Card

UK drivers may also be required to obtain a motor vehicle insurance green card before they can drive on European roads. Designed to demonstrate that you have the necessary amount of insurance cover to drive on foreign roads, your insurer issues this document.

To get your hands on a green card, just ring up your insurer, and ask for one – it is usually supplied free.

Accidents on the Road

To ensure that your insurer takes up the job of following up on any claims you make to foreign insurers and covering foreign motorists on your behalf, it is recommended that you contact your insurer and confirm your insurance is valid in Europe before you take your vehicle on the road after Brexit.

Motor Vehicle Registration Documents

No changes are expected to take place with regard to the rules surrounding carrying your motor vehicle registration documents when using European roads, even in the event of a no deal Brexit.

When using foreign roads, carry your vehicle’s V5C logbook in your vehicle just as you have always done in the past. To demonstrate that you are permitted to drive a hired vehicle registered in the UK on foreign roads, carry a VE103 in the car at all times as well.

GB Stickers and Registration Plates

Unless you are driving a vehicle that is equipped with a Euro-plate, with the GB symbol and EU flag on the left hand side, all vehicles registered in the UK but driven in EEA and EU nations should have a GB sticker displayed on the rear end.

All vehicles registered in the UK, regardless of whether they have a Euro plate or not, will need to be fitted with a GB sticker when used on EU roads.

Registration of Trailers

To be towed on EEA and EU roads, all non-commercial and commercial trailers weighing more than 3,500 and 750kgs respectively will need to be registered by the corresponding UK drivers after Brexit. The UK Gov site shows the full licence you need before you can apply for provisional entitlement in the higher categories.

Even though you are not legally compelled to do so, drivers can register non-commercial trailers weighing over 750kgs out of their own free will.

Brexit will affect a lot of UK motorists driving in the countries in the EU in a few ways. The changes to the driving rules will affect car insurance, driving licenses, driving permits and much more. After 29 March 2019, any motorist on the road, needs to adhere to these new rules.

International Driving Permits

The Department for Transport has advised that if the UK leaves the EU without any deal on the table by 29th March 2019, any UK motorists looking to drive in Europe need to purchase an international driving permit (IDP).

It’s basically a translated version of your current driving license. Any foreign official can check your credentials very fast and effortlessly. You will be charged £5.50 for the purchase and you can apply for one at the local post office.

Keep in mind that the IDP is not a valid document on its own so you need to have the regular photocard driving license whenever you are on the road.

Do You Need an IDP?

You can purchase one among the 2 types of IDP available. The first one falls under the Geneva Convention created in 1949 about road traffic while the second one is for the Geneva Convention created in 1968 about road traffic.

After Brexit, the 1949 IDP variants can only be used in Cyprus, Malta, Ireland and Spain. On the other hand, the 1968 IDPs should be purchased to allow travelling in any other country in the EU. The Department for Transport has stipulated that the IDP version you need depends mostly on the specific EU country you are visiting. Note that, drivers might face some enforcement actions such as fines or be turned away at the border if they don’t follow through.

Green Card

Besides having the IDP, any British residents planning to drive in Europe after Brexit need a motor insurance green card. The document is provide by the insurance company to prove that you are adequately covered to drive abroad. Luckily, it’s not that hard to apply for a green card and it’s free. You need to contact your insurer and get one immediately.

Road Traffic Accidents

If you are planning to take your car to an EU country post-Brexit, you need to check with your insurer first. That way, if you are involved in an accident with an European motorist and looking to making a claim, your insurer can communicate with the other person’s insurer on your behalf.

Vehicle Registration Documents

If there is no deal after Brexit, there should be any change with the vehicle registration documents when you are driving in Europe. However, don’t forget to carry your V5C vehicle log book in your vehicle when you’re driving abroad. If you have hired a UK registered car and are planning to take it to an EU country, you should bring the VE103 to prove that you have the permit to drive abroad.

Number Plates and GB Stickers

Currently, any UK registered vehicles driving in the EEA and EU countries should have a GB sticker on the back. That’s unless the vehicle has a Euro-plate (that’s a number plate that displays a GB symbol and EU flag in the left-hand column). If Brexit happens without a deal, any UK registered vehicles should have a GB sticker on the back, regardless of whether they have a Euro plate or not.

Trailer Registration

Post-Brexit, UK drivers, should register any commercial trailers weighing above 750kg and the non-commercial trailers weighing more than 3500kg before they can move out of the EEA and EU countries. Motorists should also register their non-commercial trailers weighing more than 750kg. However, there isn’t any legal requirement to do this. This requirement will be more of an issue for commercial haulage or those training at places like Easy As HGV.

Remember, some fines and penalties might be enforced on you if you don’t adhere to these rules. Therefore, follow them to the letter when you are driving in and out of the EU countries, post-Brexit.